How to check for an HDMI error

Diagnosing the HDMI cable as the problem with your Rift requires completing a few steps.

Launch the Oculus app from your Start menu, desktop, or taskbar.

Click the gear button at the top-right on the window.

Click Settings.

Click Devices.

Click Configure Rift.

Click Run Full Setup.

Click Rift or Rift and Touch based on your setup.

Click Next.

Click Next.

You will now see which connections are working and which connections are not working. As you can see here, the HDMI cable isn't reading.

Leave this window open as you complete the steps below.

Check all connections

First thing to do is check to make sure your Rift's connections are in working order.

Ensure you aren't using an HDMI splitter

One problem we've seen arise has to do with using an HDMI splitter on the back of your PC. Your graphics card (GPU) should have a few ports on it — likely DisplayPort, HDMI, or DVI — and if your PC monitor doesn't use DisplayPort or DVI, you'll have to invest in an adapter or a new cable for your monitor. Do not use a splitter, as it will not work with your monitor and Rift at the same time.

For a great DisplayPort cable to run from your monitor to your PC, have a look at this one from Cable Matters. It is six feet in length, supports up to a 1,920 x 1,200 resolution, and only costs about $11.

Would you rather just pick up an adapter and stick with the HDMI cable you currently have running from your monitor? No problem. Cable Matters also makes a low-cost adapter (about $10) that lets you plug your monitor's HDMI cable into a DisplayPort on the back of your PC.